Overview & Reviews

Originally known as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Svenska Aircraft Company), Saab is a Swedish company that began manufacturing automobiles in 1949. The company's early designs placed an emphasis on aerodynamics that is reflective of its history as an aircraft manufacturer.

The first production Saab, the 92, boasted a lower coefficient of drag than many modern cars. The 93, unveiled in 1955, was powered by a three-cylinder, 33-horsepower engine, and featured the distinctive fastback profile that made early Saabs among the most recognizable cars on the road. By the time the '50s drew to a close, Saab's lineup had grown to include the 95 wagon (capable of seating up to seven) and the 93 750 Gran Turismo, the automaker's first series-built sports car.

The marque started the '60s with the introduction of its successful Saab 96. With a production run of 20 years, this was the car that made Saab a recognized presence in the international market. The decade also saw the launch of the Saab Sport coupe. Scoring numerous wins on the rally circuit, the coupe marked Saab as a force to be reckoned with. The Sport's success on the track inspired a name change; it later came to be known as the Saab Monte Carlo 850. The Saab Sonett II sports car, with its body of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, also made its debut during the '60s, as did the Saab 99, which was the first Saab to feature the manufacturer's trademark wraparound windshield.

In 1973, Saab gave birth to the 99 Combi Coupe. The car came to define the Saab brand; with its hatchback and fold-down rear seat it offered remarkable utility. By the end of the decade, Saab had rolled out the 99 Turbo, which was a forerunner in harnessing turbo technology for use in production cars. The company also introduced the Saab 900, which held the distinction of being the first car to offer a cabin air filter.

During the 1980s, Saab cars (especially the Turbo models) gained American popularity as young urban professionals (yuppies) sought them out. The decade saw the launch of the 900 Turbo, the 900 Turbo Aero (the world's first car to offer a 16-valve turbo engine), the 900 convertible and the Saab 9000, a larger four-door car available in hatchback, and later on, sedan body styles.

In 1990, General Motors bought half of Saab's automotive division. The decade saw the launch of a revamped 900; the car offered a bevy of cutting-edge safety features, including three rear three-point seatbelts and rear side-impact protection. By the time the '90s drew to a close, Saab had also unveiled the 9-5, a larger, premium four-door sedan that essentially replaced the 9000. The 9-5 offered a host of new technologies such as ventilated seats. It was also the first to offer Saab's active head restraints, a system designed to prevent whiplash injuries.

By the 2000s, General Motors had bought the other half of Saab Automobile. Despite the brand's position on the leading edge of safety technology, Saab's popularity in the U.S. and around the world waned as its product portfolio grew increasingly stale and reliant on GM for parts, platforms and design. New models like the 9-2X and the 9-7X were based on platforms borrowed from other brands -- Subaru and Chevrolet, respectively. Meanwhile, the 9-5 soldiered on and the second-generation 9-3 ditched its quirky hatchback body style in favor of a mainstream sedan design. The hope was to make the 9-3 more appealing to American car buyers, but ultimately it only served to remove the car's unique personality.

In the midst of General Motors' financial difficulties and eventual bankruptcy, Saab was viewed as a disposable, troubled asset and essentially cast away. With the financial assistance of a European bank and the Swedish government, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg intended to purchase Saab with the promise of restructuring the brand and keeping production within Sweden. That deal fell through when Koenigsegg changed its mind about becoming involved with such a troubled company. Another niche-market supercar company, Spyker Cars, pursued the purchase of Saab. But that venture eventually failed as well and ultimately, at the end of 2011, Saab went into "wind-down" mode, filing for bankruptcy. In other words, Saab's future is still very much in limbo.

User Reviews:

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  my headache... - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By antonio787 - April 16 - 10:39 am

  After three months of use my car started with a noise in the front suspension upon riding over street bumps. I made an appointment and my car was taken for service and repair March 22, 2010. Mileage: 4849. The car was ready the same day. First maintenance done. After a few months the noise in the front suspension started again. Also a new noise started at the drivers seat. I made another appointment. On June 7, 2010 the car was taken for repair again. Mileage: 8644. The car was seven days at the shop. out of shop June 14, 2010. The noise persisted at the suspension and this time was stronger. I took the car the 8th of July, 2010 for evaluation and a loosen knob at the bushing was found and fixed the same day. On September 20th, 2010 my battery died and they changed same day for a new one. Same day service. Mileage: 13344. This same day the car was re-evaluated by the mechanics because the noise in the front suspension and in the drivers seat decreased but were still present. Another appointment was done and the parts were ordered. Appointment was done for the first day of November, 2010. My car was at the shop until November 4th and the parts were never available, so they did not fixed the car. Only thing done was the maintenance check up. Mileage: 14969. Appointment follow up for parts previously ordered was given for November 15, 2010. I picked up the car Friday 19th of November. Still the car was with the same noise in the front suspension and at the drivers seat. On Monday 22 of November another visit to the shop was done. In view that this was a short week (due to Thanksgiving holiday) they gave me another appointment for service for the 29th of November. The service light was not reset and it was ON at all times. The 29th of November my car went again for service for another week. Mileage: 15799. When I picked up my car Friday 3 of December the car was still with the same or worst noise in the front suspension and at the drivers seat. Total of visits for the same problems: 6 Total of days in shop for repairs and evaluation: 20 days Problems unresolved: Front suspension noise and drivers seat noise I use my car on daily basis for work. For me is important to have a save car. This noises are obnoxious and persistent. Every time the car is in the shop they change a different part of the front suspension as if they were guessing what the car problem is. The front seat cushion has been replaced twice. The truth is that they have never fixed any of these two noises.

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  My Feeling Are HURT - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Rivets - April 14 - 2:33 pm

  I once loved this car. I traded my 1999 9-5 Linear with 110k mi for this AERO. The Linear was much better. The only leg up this car has is the acceleration and body cladding. In one year, I have replaced the engine, replaced the head gasket for the replacement engine, fuel pump, injectors, turbo, DI cassette, SID display, tabs that keep the windows from rattling, an electrical junction box, and I paid for emission hose updates (not covered by warranty), and yesterday a pully broke leaving me stranded. The car has only 71k miles, and Ive owned it for only a year. This is my 3rd and worst SAAB. This car was built for the service bay and not the road. My love affair with SAABs is over.

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  Great Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sonnie - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Better than the MB Class in the wet.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By CosmicSaab - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The 9-3 is truely one of the best cars in the class. It is a well balanced vehicle that does most everything well. It is not the best at any on thing, but it does poorly in nothing. To truly understand this car, it must be driven.

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  More good than bad - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Brian - April 12 - 5:00 pm

  Awesome car. After a few trips to the dealer for some very minor things, the Saab is great. My service is awesome. Driving the Saab is a great experiance. It is a highway car though. Sways in tight turns. But on the highway look out. Nothing but pure power.

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  Excellent sport/luxury sedan and value - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By seacone - April 11 - 1:10 pm

  The suspension and chassis are decidedly performance biased. The steering is accurate and not overboosted. The overtaking quickness is exhilarating. The leather sport seats are well-bolstered. The stereo is excellent. The car has a solid, satisfying "king of the road" personality. Bottom line: for less than I would have paid for a 330i or a 3.0 Quatrro A4, I got an excellent sport/luxury sedan in the A6 2.7T/5 series class with all the specs and goodies.

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  Great euro wagon - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By ownone - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car, great value for the price. SAAB did a lot of work on this car. I have owned the car for about two months and am still learning features on this car. From little cubbie holes here and there to the larger issues like saftey, this car seems to be very well thought out. So far I love the car and have a ton of interest in car whereever I travel in CA.

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  great car - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Bob - April 6 - 4:30 pm

  I just love driving this car. I get great comments about the beauty of the car from strangers. It handles great with great passing ability and smooth acceleration entering the highway. My two golden retrievers sleep or rest comfortably on long drives. I just cant say enough about what a lovely car this 97x is to own and drive!

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  Enjoying the car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By BF - April 6 - 2:20 am

  I have the black Sport Combi, and everyone agrees - it looks sharp! The upward rake makes it look very sporty and unique from other wagons. Tne leather interior is beautiful, and the car feels solid. The Turbo 2.0 provides a lot of power to a 4-cylinder engine - more than my previous V6 car.

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  Not a Grand AM!!!! This is a nice car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By WillieG35sedan - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I want to get a crying towl out for Zeke, Bernie S and Saab driver. I applaud GM for the exterior styling (if they are responsible). How can these guys rate the care so low without owning one? We just traded a 2000 BMW 328 to lower our payment. This car is not a BMW, but it is light years ahead of a Grand AM!.